NSW Police Launch Investigation into NRL Match Fixing

A New South Wales police strike force, Nuralda, has been formed in order to investigate allegations of “cheating at gambling” and match fixing in three National Rugby League (NRL) games. The strike force was formed on the eve of the NRL finals on Wednesday.

Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad will investigate to determine whether a crime was committed. As part of the investigation, they will be interviewing dozens of players, officials and members of the public.

The commission is specifically investigating allegations of match-fixing in two NRL games played last year – a round 16 game between the Manly Sea Eagles and the South Sydney Rabbitohs, as well as a round 24 game between Manly and the Parramatta Eagles. Last month, it was revealed that an April 2016 game also involving Manly and Parramatta was linked and was being investigated.

The first interviews are expected to take place later this week, although, at this point there have been no specific criminal allegations made against an individual or club. The police have warned that the investigation is expected to be a “protracted” process with the interviews to be held over the coming months.

The NRL assured that it would “support and provide any assistance requested by the police investigation into match-fixing.”

In addition, Todd Greenberg, chief executive of the NRL reiterated his comments made previously saying that any person found to be involved in match-fixing will not be welcome at the NRL in any capacity.

“We are not going to pre-judge any person associated with the game while this process is underway,” Greenberg stated. “But I repeat my earlier warning that if any person is convicted of match-fixing they will face a life ban from any involvement in Rugby League.”